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UpDo for You campaign supports DDS

Emily Rakow, 16, co-chair of the Updo for You campaign, seems to be very pleased after checking her new 'Updo' hairstyle in the mirror. (Lebanon Daily News -- Judy Warner)

Mae Mae's Salon in Lebanon is spearheading the UpDo for You campaign during August.

Megan Schlegel, owner of the salon, and Raine Ellinger, the receptionist at the business on South Seventh Street, came up with the idea to help Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon Valley. Jessica A. Penchard, vice president of public relations and development at DDS, is also involved in the campaign.

Co-chairing the event is Emily Rakow, a 16-year-old graduate of the DDS Early Intervention program and a 10th-grader at Cedar Crest High School. The UpDo for You campaign will be Rakow's senior project at Cedar Crest.

Rakow has received services from DDS since birth, according to her mother, Deb Rakow.

The initial services Emily received in her home as a toddler included speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. After the age of 3, Emily attended the DDS facility at 12th and Walnut streets. She now participates in Zumba classes at DDS.

"I always felt Emily had a calling to bring something to the community," Deb Rakow said.

And that's exactly what Emily will do through UpDo for You.

Along with her mother, Schlegel, Ellinger and Penchard, Emily is out recruiting other Lebanon County hairstyling salons to participate in the UpDo for You campaign. The recruiting process ends July 22. Here's how it works: Salons are being asked to seek a $1 donation from each patron who comes through their doors during the month of August.

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Mae Mae's will match each donation dollar for dollar.

The goal is to double the amount of $1,000 raised last year.

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Emily while Schlegel gave her an "UpDo" styling at Mae Mae's. Emily looked very beautiful after her hair was transformed into curls using a unique curling iron. Schlegel then pinned the curls on the top and sides of Emily's head. Emily looked like a princess.

"Can't wait to work with our awesome co-chair person - the lovely Emily - for this good cause," Ellinger said.

The Mae Mae's team will deliver media kits and donuts to participating salons in late July. The campaign begins Aug. 1.

Please be generous to this great cause if your salon is participating. More information will be available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mae.maes and on the DDS website at www.ddslebanon.org.

About DDS

The mission of Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley, according to its website, is to empower children with developmental delays and persons with disabilities to lead more productive, satisfying and/or independent lives. DDS believes that through greater independence, individuals are able to experience a higher quality of life.

DDS was formed in 1961 as United Cerebral Palsy of Lebanon County, to establish the first developmental classroom for children with disabilities. There were four children enrolled in the first class. Today, DDS serves more than 400 children and adults each year through an array of training and educational programs.